


H Dratiia in 
ftvelcte 



By 
84nft e. Hndevaon 



PS iol^.^" ^^ 



INSIDE THE LINES 



A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS 



...BY./ 

SAMUEL E. ANDERSON 



C rRAor5( ^ couNaL > 



Campbell County Printing Company, Newport, Kv 
1900 



Library of Conor reae 

Iwo Copies Receivpo 
JAN 13 1901 

^ Copyright entry 

SECOND COPY 






COPYRIGHT 1900, 

BY 

vSAMUEL E. ANDERSON. 



AliL BIGHTS RESERVED. 



Dramatis Personae 



The Prince of Melbourne. 

Cavalier Borge. 

Duke of Sydne3% usurping King. 

Hopper, First Sentry. 

Cropper, Second Sentr}-. 

Lady Glendowyn. 

Lady Catherine. 

Duchess of Sydne3^ 

Garner. 

Officers, Courtiers, Ladies in Wait- 
ing, Attendants, Serv^ants, Pages, 
etc., etc. 



Inside the Lines 



ACT I. Scene i. A retired balcony i^ith Lady 
Catherine and a servant. 

Lady Catherine. Hav^e everything made most invit- 
ing. I expect the Prince to come to sa}' adieu, for soon 
he starts upon a journey. Everj^thing seems to be ex- 
actly as I wish it. ^Exit servant. ) Now for m.y decision ! 
The Prince or Cavalier ? When the Prince was in the 
full possession of his birthright it was an easy task to 
choose, but things have changed since first he came. 
Then his prospects more than made amends for all the 
lack of ardor in his wooing. The Duke of Sydney 
played a cunning game ; has tricked him of his inherit- 
ance and 3^et I wish Borge could have but half his 
chance. Had he ni}^ knowledge of the Prince's plans 
he would. Oh dear ! the Prince has grown so cold 
and distant that to marry him would mean a wasting, 
chilling life, continually hovering near the fire to keep 
the blood from freezing. With Borge, how different ! 
Borge, thy star is in the ascendant ! 

Enter Sei'vant. 

Servant. The Cavalier Borge wishes to speak to 
your ladyship. 

Lady C. Borge ! If the Prince should come, make 
some excuse to keep him out of sight until Borge has 

4 



gone. Tell Borge that I await him here. Exit Servant. 
Enter Borge. 

Welcome Borge ! Your coming nicks with my desires. 
It is seldom those we wish for are so prompt ; besides 
your visit bears the pass-port to a woman's favor, it is 
unexpected ; quite. 

Borge. Your w^elcome, Catherine, is very pleasing: 
it bids me hope for something more. You know a 
drowning sailor grasps at straws while striving with 
all his might to carry his shouts to those whose help 
he seeks before they pass beyond recall. So from the 
depths of his loneliness man calls to women. My love 
came upon me with a suddenness and a power just as 
the sun in the summer solstice, breaking from behind 
a cloud, mercilessly beats dowai upon the traveller, 
leaving him irresolute and bereft of power to act. His 
eddying brain w^hirls round and round as leaves when 
stirred by autumn winds and is a prey for every fancied 
ill. In agony I passed from chill to fever, then again 
to chill, as marshalling the hostile columns of my hopes 
and fears I watched them struggle on. A portion of 
my time I pass in bliss as hope soars high and then I 
sink into the depths of torment as my fears prevail. 
My love drives me ever onward, but the splendors of 
your beauty and your virtues dazzle and all but over- 
come me. My home is far away ; there beneath a 
sunny sky, the lemon and magnolia, the jasmine, orange 
and rose exhale their sweetest perfumes, revelling in 
the thought of having you for mistress. Catherine, I 
almost fear to hope. 

Lady C. Catherine bids you have no fear. Your 
love has long been known to me ; I felt the archer 
drawing his bow before the arrow sought its mark. Is 

5 



this the bold and reckless Cavalier Borge ? 

Bo7-ge. Life contains no sweeter bliss than the love 
of a worthy woman. My dearest Catherine ! 

Lady C. We waste our precious moments in idle 
dalliance. I fear the Prince. He offered me his hand 
and I, because of love for you, rejected him. We 
must be rid of him to share our love in peace. In these 
disordered times might makes right and private ven- 
gance mocks the forms of law. Now is the time for 
3'ou to wrest his power from him. 

Borge. A soldier scorns a traitor, but for you I would 
risk all. I have encamped with his forces a hundred 
men who swear allegiance to my cause, an ample num- 
ber for our purpose. He ma} be led into some quarrel 
that would justify his death. My troop will back me 
to a man. In the confusion I will have a good chance 
to grasp the power he holds. Enough ! The die is 
cast and b}- no coward hand ! No barrier short of 
death will keep me back. 

Lady C. By measure of the hazard shall I know 
the breadth and depth of your regard for me. 

Borge. Quick work I'll make of this, and then I 
come to claim your hand. 

Lady C. Wait ! I have a better plan than that. 
Allegiance to my Prince is dear to me, but far dearer 
the lover I have found in you. This is my sole excuse 
for this treachery to him. His frowns and sullen 
looks give ample evidence of jealousy. He hates all 
those who even gaze me; much more the rival for the 
hand he seeks. I have no doubt that he would do 
you harm, in secret, underhanded w^ays, but w^e can 
overreach him there. I have a secret that will make 
you safe against all his power. He has conceived a 

6 



plan to take his brother from the hands of those who 
keep him prisoner. To accomplish this he will jour- 
ney to the castle in disguise ; liberate his brother, 
carrying him thence to his own camp, and this within 
the week. A letter will inform you of the very hour. 
Therefore see that the Duke has knowledge of this 
plan. His hatred for the Prince will leave no way un- 
tried to end his life. 

Borgc. All this shall be done exactly in accord with 
your desires. For care of those she loves commend 
me to a woman. 

Lady C. Adieu ! Borge. You wear ni}- colors in 
this fight. 

Borgc. Adieu ! Exit Borge. 

Lady C. It is not without regret that I see him risk 
his life but one must die. A lover, such as either, 
should he be disappointed and allowed to live might 
make some thrust I could not parry. Here's luck to 
him who wins. With all ni}^ heart I hope it is Borge, 
I like him well. Exit Lady Catherine. 

ACT I. Scene 2. Three days later. Soldiers gathe?'- 
ing aiound a camp-fire at night. Officers and men 
arriving at intervals. 

Eirst Officer. We are in luck ! In these discordant 
times to breakfast, fight and sup together is a sure 
token of fortune's favor. Of late the fickle jade seemed 
flirting with the Duke and to furnish him with every 
means to injure us. 

Sec^Off. That's true. He seemed to hold the cards 
and deal each one when it would harm us most. Our 
Prince was absent when he came, and we, like fools, 
although he was-4inknown to most of us, in fact to all 

7 



the younger ones, placed him in charge of all oiir 
stores ; thinking as he was kinsman to the King he 
must be lo3'al to his cause ; then our King is suddenly 
taken ill and this furnished him excuse to claim he died 
a natural death. Our unsuspecting friends were 
trapped as they came in. It seemed that he must crush 
us in the fight. 

First Off. But fortune now is leaning to our side. 
You must acknowledge that young Garner came just in 
the nick of time. He seemed to bring good luck. 

Sec. Off. He came as if he had fallen from the 
vSky, but if he was the devil I would claim him for my 
friend. 

Fi?'sf Off. To-night we must lay our plans to take 
advantage of our luck and hasten the completion of 
our purpose. 

Sec. Off. Leave to-morrow's care until to-morrow. 
Let us consecrate this night to merriment ; to-morrow 
we may be dead. Upon the skirmish line to-day we 
found a hag, a prophesying hag ; sh^ could not be a 
hag unless she prophesied. She drew our horoscope 
and listed there the sequence of our lives and then told 
of future deeds. She assigned to me promotion and 
success in ni}- endeavors. In some mysterious way 
these people seem to lift at least the corner of the veil 
and see into the future. But to Garner she told a 
quaint and curious prophecy of love that put that young 
gallant quite to rout. She told of how he hid his love 
and was deceiving us. His blushes furnished merri- 
ment ; we chaffed him until he fled , no doubt to seek 
the happy wench. 

Third Off. We must have this story from his own 
lips to-night. 



Sec. Off. We shall have rarest sport with him. He 
is so very shy and thinks these matters are quite serious. 

First Off. That youth bears no stamp of camp car- 
ousal and you should spare him these rude jests. 
Rather let us counsel among ourselves how we ma}" 
lay a snare to take the Duke. 

Third Off. I am growing tired of plans. Discuss 
them with some old man, one grown so old he takes no 
more enjoyment from life's good things : this is the 
season marked for gayety. Here comes Borge. If 
you are lucky he ma}" deign to yawn while you explain 
your plans to him. He lately seeks no company and 
therefore may be well pleased with yours. 

lintcr Borgc. 

Go join Borge. To-night we laugh at love. 

Borge. At whose love ? 

Third Off. At yours, if ever we thought you had a 
serious one. 

Borge. I am in no humor to be insulted, so choose 
your words with care. 

Third Off. Of late you have grown far too sullen 
for your own good. Your lacks of courtesy will make 
you no friends. 

Borge. I meant no offense. I am a friend to every 
person here and I wish to have all friendly to me. 

Sec. Off. That is much better. Come, join our 
company. We promise you some rare sport to-night. 
Those who dance at love's shrine must pay the fiddler. 
Borge. What means this continual talk of love ? 

Enter Prince. 
Prince. Where is Garner ? 

9 



Sec. Off. Oh, young Garner has a sweetheart, you 
will find him there. She is his first, it is said. 

Prince. He is so gentle I should think the lady had 
the sweetheart. 

Sec. Off. Here he comes. The girl ! The girl ! 
Garner. What a charge to put on me ! 

Third Off. It's guilt. It's guilt. Look ! see the 
change of color. The crimson mounts into his very 
hair. 

Sec. Off. You had your fortune told to-day and we 
are all waiting to hear that story. 

Garner. That was a grewsome jest. 

Sec. Off. Ha ! Ha ! a jest. I'll wager that it will 
all come true within the month. 

Garner. I do no think much of such a story. 

Sec. Off. Come, turn about and show your blushes 
while yet you may. Such fine youths as you were 
made for love, and even the stupid laggard hastes to 
taste such joys. A soldier is soon tutored in these 
things nor needs a prompter long. We are not quit 
of 3'outh before we have our surfeit, either with some 
dainty virgin or some cat. 

Garner. A pity it is you were not bred with sense 
of that refinement that feels the insult of a smutty jest. 
I have not suffered this before and shall not now. 

Prince. This is no time for anger. Come, I'll be a 
partner in your guilt, an accessory before the crime. 
You must introduce me to the girl and should it prove 
as serious as you take it now I'll see she has a dowry 
worthy you. A kiss too, if you will, in remembrance 

lo 



of her gallant. But I suspect that you will soon refute 
these slanders on j^our modesty. 

Borge. Shame ! Shame ! to tease this boy at such 
a rate. It is cowardly to choose the least of all on 
whom to vent your petty spite. 

Prince. I should like to know the lady who wastes 
her love on you. 

Borge. You shall. It is the Lady Catherine. 

Prince. Base, braggart knave, you lie. {Borge 
draws his sword and makes a thrust zvhich is parried by 
the Prince. Borge is siezed by those about.) You 
thought to take me unprepared. 

Third Off. Your vicious temper will bring down 
upon your head well-merited punishment. My fingers 
have a long time itched to grasp 3'our throat and choke 
the venom out of you. 

Prince. Your proud and insolent behavior has grown 
past all endurance and must have a check. These acts 
must end. Take this man out. Put him in your tent 
and keep him under guard until my further orders. 

Borge. A valiant leader who bids others settle his 
private quarrels rather than meet his foe! You dare 
not face me in a single combat, even here, with your 
friends about to lend you aid and comfort, A cur who 
shifts his quarrels upon subordinates is beneath con- 
tempt. 

Prince. Old offenders hurl their curses at the judge, 
inviting him to quit his caste and bandy words with 
them. Your offense is a most serious one and the only 
proper course is to try you by court-martial. There 
you will have an opportunity to justify your conduct. 



Borgc. Your answer is most discreet. At least it 
will keep 3'oiir precious life from danger at my hands. 

Prince. {To Second Officer.) Obey my orders. I 
have enough of this. Exit Second Officer, Soldiers, 
Borge and all officers except first. To-morrow I start 
upon a journey, but upon the fifth day from this sum- 
mon a court-martial to try Borge. 

Garner. If it is not a secret w^hither do you go ? 

Prince. I expect to go inside the lines and castle of 
the Duke. 

Garner. Go inside the castle of the Duke ! It is 
madness ! Your imagination surely pictures all the 
perils without suggestion on our part. It could mean 
nothing less than instant death. What purpose can 
you have in this mad trip ? 

Prince. My mother on her deathbed consigned to 
me the care and custody of my young brother, most 
solemnly requesting a strict observance of the obliga- 
tions she then imposed. Lovingly I undertook the 
charge. I reared him from his early infancy and he 
became endeared to me by every tie of love and tender- 
ness ; then the Duke's unnatural acts deprived me of 
the sunshine of his smile. That delicate boy may be 
exposed to disease in some vile dungeon or be suffering 
insults that would break his mother's heart could she 
know of them. She would then remember my prom- 
ise. Therefore I have resolved to go to the Duke's 
castle to seek some way by which my brother may be 
rescued. 

Garner. And I am resolved to go with you. 
Prince. That would be madness. There is no 
reason whatsoever for vour resolution. 



Garner. That is the same thing I told you. 

Prince. But for you there is no call to this duty. 

Garner. A hard, cold thing is duty, especially if it 
lacks our sympathy. It is a duty to keep our plighted 
faith but more to plight it. A sense of duty could not 
prevail upon me to volunteer assistance in your private 
cause. My feeling is a deeper one, partaking of the 
qualities of friendship. Friendship is an idol to which 
we may bow with honor and respect and arising, we 
are chastened, acquit of selfish thoughts and ennobled 
by our love. 

Prince. The laws of friendship have peculiar beauty, 
overrating all our virtues and condoning part of every 
fault, bidding us share our pains and toils, but they 
forbid that I accept a sacrifice like this. 

Gar?ier. When all is said, I go. 

Prince. To Garner ever falls the tasks imposed by 
love. I share your company with reluctance for the 
world would never furnish such another, so loyal, 
true and brave. 

ACT I. Scene 3. Same night. The camp at night. 
Borge is discovered cautiously creeping from beneath a 
tent. Soldiers pessing at intervals. 

Borge. Five, six. There are too many in that 
crowd, I purpose not to put my plan within so many 
mouths. I'll wait to seize an occasion more favorable. 
{Sentry passes.) That sentr}^ startled me, I forgot 
that I am a prisoner here. He is a damned villian who 
would enjoy sticking me with his lance. Fortunately 
with their drink and games they keep a careless watch, 
but for the future I will be more discreet. Here comes 



one of m}' own command. Hist ! Hist ! To what 
troop do you belong ? 

Soldier. I serve that gallant soldier, the Cavalier 
Borge. What ! My Lord ! Who bound and tied you 
like a felon ! I will loose you in a moment. 

Borge. No. No. It is no doubt a pleasing sight 
to see your leader thus bound, to hear the curses that 
he spends in rage and know that those may scoff at 
him who quailed before his flashing e3^e. His gallant 
plume, no longer at the front, lies grovelling in the 
dust, a mockery to those for whom it blazoned victor^^ 
His men, abandoning the glorious memories of the 
past, will blush to tell they served in his troop ; a sad 
commentary on their courage and fidelity. With hang- 
ing head and downcast eye they must deny their leader, 
ashamed to own the banner under which they fought. 
When they return home they will meet the cold disdain 
due cowardice or treason. 

Soldier. I will untie you and avenge this insult to 
our troop. 

Borge. Stay ! It was by the Prince's order I was so 
bound. He would visit the full measure of his wrath 
upon the head of him who cuts a single strand. But 
you ma}^ render me a better service b}^ carrying a sim- 
ple package. No, I will not ask it. The sacrifice 
would be too great, for if you fail it would mean to die 
on foreign strands, unknown, unmarked by stone or 
grassy mound, unwept by friend or brother. The task 
is far too dangerous. 

Soldier. Th^ Cavalier Borge indeed underrates the 
fealty of all his troop if he thinks there is a single cow- 
ard in our midst. At your request I stand prepared 
to give my life, yes, everything. 

14 



Borge. Well said and like a soldier of Borge. 
Hasten with this packet to the Duke. See that it falls 
into no other hands on peril of you life and mine. Do 
this well ; you are my trusted friend and confidant. 
Fare thee well, adieu ! 

ACT II. Scene I. The folloiving day. Tivo seyitries 
on guard at the Duke's Ihies on the edge of the Forest 
of Melbourne. 

First Sentiy. I say I understand the creatures, 
don't tell me that I don't. All women do be most 
queer with ways that are far beyant the ken of men 
and farther still beyant their own. It's cause and 
cause ; and if you ask them for a reason not a reason 
do you get. If you insist on one, tears and tears and 
floods of tears, enough to drow^n a trout, come gushing 
out amid the thunderings of her broken heart. Did 
you ever know a woman that wasn't built contrariwise 
to man ? Alack a day ! Alack a day ! If we never 
had a woman our days would all be free from care and 
jars and the race would live in peace. They are a 
necessary evil, I suppose, and meekly I have borne 
every ill they put upon me. I let them always have 
their owm way and then they twit me with my lack of 
courage, and if I fought them they would call me a 
great, big brute. But I don't care for all this show ; 
I am so wise they think no wonder is past me and so 
I keep them scared. 

Seco7id Setitry. They dote on brave men too. That's 
why I came into the army, so my rank wall show my 
courage and frighten my sweetheart most to death. 
I tell you she's a dainty, husky creature, enough to 
pull a three-ton load or drive a man to pity. When 

15 



first I seen her frail form my heart went pitipat, piti- 
pat, bump, bump, bump, like the old gray mare as she 
trots down the road to pasture. She sings like a hawk, 
she goes so high, and her color's like the Maidenblush, 
the ones on top the barrel : her eyes are shiny as Bill 
Dobson'.^ coat, the tattered one, and are chestnut 
brown. And her hands ; you should see her hands, 
such a purty red ! I will marry her when we have 
slain the Prince and placed the vile pretender on his 
rightful throne. 

First Sett. Until you have her tied don't be too 
sure. These women often balk and he laughs least 
who laughs too loud. When are we to hear a denounce- 
ment of your marriage? 

Sec. Soi. As soon as she will fix the day. 
First Se?i. When does she say that it is to be ? 

Sec. Se7i. My eyes have not been blessed w^ith sight 
of her since May-day dance. That's where I first met 
her, and then she squeezed my hand so hard her heart 
must have been in it or moving there upon her sleeve. 
She said she loved a soldier lad, that's me. I'll tell 
you she's a great, big plum. 

First Soi. You were not a soldier then. 

Sec. Se?i. Well no, I hadn't jined them then. Well, 
she may be gone but if she is, a great, big, brave, 
swishing, swashing, slashing soldier lad like me could 
easy get another. {Struts up and doivn brandishing 
an old flint-lock.) What's yonder in the woods? I 
believe it's ghosts, or maybe enemies of the King. 
I^et's go report at once. {Drops gun.) 

First Sen. I believe you're right. The officer 
should know this thing at once. Ha ! Ha ! They are 

i6 



not soldiers. You are an erring coward, fleeing at the 
sight of danger and leaving me alone to fight them all. 
That was desertion and I'll get promoted by informing 
on you. 

Sec. Soi. That wavSn't no desertion. I was going 
to the guard for help to take them prisoners. Egad, 
we might do so alone, they don't carry no arms. 

First Sen. Now you're talking ! Trust an old 
man for wisdom and for finding a way to do things. 
Fish be not brought to the table with hook and haste 
alone. Now we must think twice as fast as Peddler 
Miller when he sells a shawl, and must know even 
more than him. But you bet we'll get them yet. 

See. Se?i. That's right. Hurrah! And now I .sa 3^ 
we bring thCvSe spies before the King and tell him how, 
at the first glimmer of the rising dawn, in a fog so 
dense we risked our lives, we saw aw^ay off there two 
robber spies. I wrapped my mortal cloak around me 
and hailed them in a voice that shook the hills and 
made them tremble in their boots. 

First Se?i. His imminence would praise our courage 
and bestow some presents on us and give us an office. 

See. Sen. He's all right. He would cover me with 
gold and rich comparison. My uniform would be made 
of nothing but gold and spangles, gold spangles, and 
all the braid would be gold braid. My plumes would 
be longer than anybody's, three in length, each pieced 
upon the other and with a gold tip on the top of each. 
My boots would be of ermine skin, my horse a dun, 
and when the band begins to play and I ride down, 
with the freezing pomp of altered circumstances I'll 
hand my horse to you and you can w^alk him up and 

17 



down. Nobody shall never saj^ that I forgot my 
friends. 

First Sen. Nobody ever flew as high as you. You 
run too fast and will stumble before you go a great 
ways. Only a crazy fool like you w^ould dare to leave 
me out in the cold like that. 

Sec. Sen. It won't do you any good to sneer at me. 
I'll maul your head for you, you sneaking hound. 
{Each caf^efully lays doivji his gun and prepares to fight. ) 

First Sen. Now come on and I will kill you where 

you stand. 

Enter Prince and Garner. 

Sec. Sen. Here they are ! Hey ! Hey ! You can't 
go through there, you're prisoners. 

Prijice. By what authorit}^ do you make question 
of m}^ right to pass ? 

Sec. Sen. We are King's men and he won't let 3^ou. 
He forbids it. 

Prince. The Duke forbids it ! Well, when did the 
Duke, that base usurper of our rights, that cuckoo, 
that murderer, assume to issue orders in this realm or 
forbid a passage to any loyal subject? These arms 
you have neglected and disowned shall find a foster 
parent, one who will teach them their duty to all trait- 
ors and first to 3^ou. 

First Sen. Don't point that gun this w^ay, it's 
loaded. I could not help it. He told us we had to 
do it. 

Garner. It seems to me that our journey will be 
short if you continue thus. Curb your impetuousity. 
We must await, and patiently, for the guard to be 



relieved. So lay aside your haughty mien and let us 
have a talk with these new friends. 

First Sen. It isn't right for you to want to hurt us. 
It wasn't our fault. The King expressed us and we 
had to come. Would you mind to put away that gun? 
We are both peaceful men and wouldn't want to hurt 
nobody. Please put it down ! We love our homes 
and quite a pretty penny would I give to be there now, 
although my wife's at home herself. 

Pri7ice. It is in stress of adverse circumstances that 
we prize the protection of a petticoat. Your courage 
is most rare, sublime ! 

First Sen. If you knew my wife you'd know I had 
a lot of courage to wish to be at home. These army 
doings though are not to my liking. My bent is for 
a little learning and to try to find out the things that 
we don't know. 

Garner. "A strange world we live in, you and I," 
none know whence we came and few care why ; but 
fortune has been very kind and now we have met with 
one who cares to find the why. As a philosopher you 
doubtless could expound the due relations of the uni- 
verse, the essence of theology, theosophy, cosmogony, 
the ethics of the laws prescribed by termagants, and 
do all this with a sweep of mind commensurate to the 
task involved. 

Prince. By all the signs of occultism we are to have 
another fortune telling bout 

Garner. Don't draw the saber of your rusty wit 
unless you have surpassing skill to use it. Forgive 
me for that rebuke. 

19 



First Sen. And won't 3'ou please to put away that 
gun? 

Prince. You shall have no further cause to com- 
plain of the rudeness of your prisoners. For the pleas- 
ure of your company I will put it here where it will 
cause 3'ou no more worry. Are 3^ou now^ a ease? 

First Sen. A ten-ton load is taken from my mind. 

Sec. Sec. Ooch ! But I was scared ! But I was scared ! 

First Sen. And since we are friends wh}^ don't you 
tell us where you are going ? 

Garner. Sometimes 3'oung men are sent to see the 
world before they choose a wife. It is a task requir- 
ing greatest thought, one worthy of yowi skill ; so, 
before that choice is made pray tell us the signs and 
indications that should guide us in selection. 

Prince. Oh ! Anything to while awa}' the time and 
keep impatience within bounds. 

First Sen. I just told Cropper there I knew a 
woman's wa3'S and now I'll learn 3'ou how to choose. 
Blind not 3^our e3'e to those plain signs that show the 
bent of mind : shun the marks of hast3^ temper or one 
who alwa3^s scolds. The constant nagging of a virtu- 
ous wife may make more hell than twenty evil deeds. 
Pay no attention to her gew-gaw airs, for these wear 
off and onl3^ leave her worse when the3' are gone. 
Don't choose a balk3' woman ; see that her e3'e is gen- 
tle, neither large nor small, and clear, with a wide fore- 
head, good feet, strong hands and arms, straight legs, 
large bones, smooth coat, for the coat, more than any- 
thing else, shows what she spends on clothes. 

Prince. That cannot be the Duke who is coming 
with the guard. 



Sec. Sen. Heighho ! Heighho ! And now we leave, 
for yonder comes the guard. 

J^irst Sen. You must be from foreign parts, here he 
makes us call him King. 

E^iter Guard. 

Officer. Whom have 3'ou here ? 

First Sen. This morning we have shown more valor 
than Cannibal in his march on Italy, and we have taken 
more prisoners than the greatest Benedict ever took. 

Prince. You see that they have not only taken 
prisoners but all their arms as well. {Exhibits sentries' 
arms. ) 

Officer. What charge have you against these men ! 

Sec. Sen. Why tuppence each. 

Officer. Clear out, you clacking tongue. 

Prince. We wish to see the King for we have news 
to tell him about his daughter. 

Officer. His majesty is much worried about her and 
will receive you most graciously. We go direct from 
here into the castle. Come with me. Exeunt all ex- 
cept tcvo new sentries. 

ACT II. Scene 2. Same morning. Reception room 
of the castle ivith the royal party and attendants. Enter 
the officer of the guard zvith the Prince. 

Officer. May it please your majesty, to-day we took 
two prisoners at the front. The one I have detained 
in the adjoining room, the other I have here, as he 
claims to bring some news of your daughter. 

King. Bid him step forward. ( The Prince ad- 



varices. ) It is our pleasure to hear at once this news. 
Our ro3^al honor is held in pledge to reward you most 
liberally, provided that our daughter lives and is un- 
harmed. If it is otherwise, beware ! 

Prince. The messenger should not be held to make 
amends for evil tidings should he chance to bear them. 
You would receive no benefit should pity falsely prompt 
me to relate but part my tale. We were engaged upon 
our private business, b}^ chance we have heard news of 
your daughter and sought to favor you by telling it. 
It is not the most pleasant and since 3'OU seemed in- 
clined to hold us responsible for it I must insist that 
we have assurance of safe conduct on our way before 
I tell it. 

King. No trifling here ; your news, quickly. 

Prince. I asked a pledge for our safe conduct. 
Answer, will you give it to me ? 

King. It will be best for you to speak and instantly. 

Prince. It may be wase for you to waste no time in 
idle threats. Do you think that you will frighten me 
with this display of anger ? 

King. Your insolence passes my endurance. Ho ! 
Guards, secure this man w^ithin a dungeon and give 
his hot head a little time to cool. 

Prince. Go elsewhere then to seek the information 
I would have furnished. 

Queen. Do not be so hasty. Let him tell his story. 

King. I may have been a trifle hasty. I will listen 
to your story. 

Prince. First grant my request. 



King. By all the honor of a King I pledge ni} self 
to see you safe beyond ni}^ lines. 

Prince. Both m3^self and my companion ? 

Kiiig. Yes. 

Prince. The message that I bring comes from the 
Prince direct. He bid me say your daughter is a 
prisoner in his hands and ill. The King was not aware 
that she was ill when he refused the Prince's offer of 
exchange. 

Queen. The King refused the Prince's offer of ex- 
change ? My daughter a prisoner in his hands and ill! 

Prince. Yes your majesty, so he bid me sa3^ By 
the fortunes of war she fell into his hands and now vShe 
feels the want of the attention of her servants and is 
distressed that she no longer has her mother's care. 
They keep her very closely confined and she shows 
some paleness as a result of it. Her cough is slight, 
not such as should cause you much worry, but proper 
treatment can be ill supplied by such rude men as have 
charge of her. The Prince wishes to make an immedi- 
ate exchange of prisoners, your daughter for his 
brother. 

Queen. Most joyfully we accede to his request. 

Kijig. At least you might have avSked permission 
to accept this offer. 

Queen. Ask permission for me to have my child 
again ? 

King. The Prince has made this offer once before, 
but there is no fairness in this proposed exchange. 
My prisoner is an heir to this, my throne. The Prince 
of Melbourne claims it. This boy is heir to him and 

23 



when these two are dead I draw ni}^ title clear from 
fountain head. This infant child, should his brother 
chance to die, could not long survive the care I would 
bestow on him. Then I am King without the shadow 
of a doubt. Besides we hold a threat above his head. 

Queen. Can 3^ou hesitate to free our child on terms 
so fair ? 

King. To dicker thus with an eneni}^ is sacrifice of 
honor and weakens our cause with all who hear of it. 
Tell him that we will not make this exchange. 

Queen. You surely cannot mean this ! It is but a 
jest ! Think what you are doing ! Our daughter, 
yours and mine. You dare not sacrificj a mother's 
love to plant instead the seeds of hate. 

Prinee. Surelj^ the King but jests. There is not 
living now beneath the sun a single beast who will not 
aid its young in time of peril. 

Enter Offieer. 

Offieer. Your majesty, a messenger awaits without 
who urgently desires to deliver a packet to the king, 
refusing absolutel}^ to entrust his charge to an}- other 
person. 

King. Search him carefully before 3^ou bring him 
into our presence. Assassins lurk about me here, await- 
ing only opportunity to cut me down. When you are 
certain that he can do no harm you ma}^ show him in. 
Exit Officer. Now my good sir, I think I have had 
quite enough of impudence from you. Your conduct 
shows that you are some vagabond who needs the lash 
and you will feel it very shortly. 

Prince. But you have promised, on yowx honor, that 
we should have safe conduct beyond your lines. 

24 



King. I told you if you did not bring good news, 
beware. 

Enter Officer and Messejiger. 

Mess. Borge sent this packet to your majesty, 
charging me to let it come into no other hands on peril 
of his life and mine. 

Ki7ig. The packet, let me have it. Reads. See 
that each avenue of escape is closed ! Make fast each 
gate and door ! The tiger's ventured forth from his 
lair to whet his thirst for blood. Ha ! Ha ! But he 
will meet a warm reception. The message says that 
he is now inside our lines, coming to the castle. He 
should be here before this time. It must be he await- 
ing in the ante-room. Bring him forth to answer my 
questions. Exit Officer. Re-enter, bringing Garner. 
I have just received a message telling me the Prince of 
Melbourne left his camp last night to come inside my 
lines. He has turned spy and shall meet the punish- 
ment of such. I have good reason to believe that 3'ou 
are the Prince of Melbourne. 

Garner. I have always thought that it w^as a dis- 
grace to deny myself in order to escape a threatened 
danger. My name is an honored one nor shall I be 
the first to put a stain upon it. The Prince of Mel- 
bourne will meet his doom fearlessly, glorying in the 
fact that he has been loyal and true to those he loved. 
I ask a single favor, allow ni}^ friend to take the news 
back to my men. 

Prince. The halting gait of feigned excuse would 
vsoon betray me if I were so base as to attempt its use. 
Your purpose is sublime but it is vain. It would be a 
stain I could not wipe away vShould I suffer you to 

25 



complete your purpose. Besides the King has pledged 
his royal word that we go free. He would not care 
to hold his honor quite so cheap. 

King. I hold my honor priceless but it was pledged 
only on condition that you brought good news. Be- 
sides you are my enemy and are now completely within 
my power. Oh no ! 

Gamer. Honor is a jewel you must own to know 
its value. 

Ki?ig-. I'll make short work of this. Commit them 
both to a dungeon, making them securely fast with 
irons. At midnight you will execute them both. 
Then I shall get the Prince and the pretender too. 

Prince. I am the Prince of Melbourne and with all 
humility I ask this boon. Grant a reprieve to this 
young man who wished to give his life that he might 
save mine. 

King. If that would give 3'ou pleasure he should 
not live, although he had a thousand lives. Take 
them out. 

Prince. Not one of you shall lay j-our hands upon 
me. Your coward master cringes beneath my glance, 
although I am his prisoner. Your people see the depth 
of perfidy to which you sink, know how little 3'ou may 
be trusted and feel contempt for you, knowing as they 
do the stinking foulness of your soul. I make demand 
for instant freedom of this lad. If it is not granted I 
wreak a vengence never dreamed by you. Before I 
left my camp I took care to make secure what little 
hold we have on you. Your daughter is now within 
my power, by orders under seal the warden there will 
execute your child ere midnight Thursday unless they 

26 



are revoked. At that dread hour she will feel the 
cruel cord begin to gripe, her eyes will begin to start, 
her breath to burst her lungs, her swollen tongue pro- 
trude, ceaselessly striving to articulate her unnumbered 
woes, each tense and rigid muscle enter protest against 
life's departure : then she quits the struggle, the pur- 
pled face takes on a ghastly hue, the spasms and 
twitchings then subside : she is cold in death. All 
these 3^ou can save her from but only on condition that 
you give this boy his freedom. I offer to revoke these 
orders for this young life. 

Queen. This is too horrid and too harsh to bear ! 
Take everything but give me back ni}^ child. Fling 
wide the doors and send this boy with flying speed to 
snatch her from this cruel death. Parchment! Parch- 
ment! Bring us parchment that he may write his 
orders. Exit Servant foi' parchment. 

King. What pledge have I that you are not plan- 
ning treachery and when this boy is free will not hold 
my child and add demand for other things ? I'll keep 
him here until 3'ou bring the child and then I'll set 
him free. 

Prince. Never. I propose to take no chance on the 
faith of my promise made b}^ you. Re-enter Servant 
zvith parchment. 

Queen. The parchment's here. Your orders, write 
them down. 

Gar?ier. Would you have me value life so highly as 
to leave you now ? 

Prijice. You must leave me. Otherwise this young 
girl's life goes out and yours is lost without a purpose. 

27 



Queen. Quickly ! Quickly ! Write your orders. 

Ki7ig. I am growing very tired of all this fuss and 
bluster. Take these men out and see that my orders 
are obeyed. 

Queeti. Sta}^ one moment. You must see that our 
men follow us sullenly. We are handicapped with 
broken promises. This trial of cruelty is far too long 
and should admonish us to add no new^ offense. It 
would be better to agree to take his offer. 

KiJig. So I shall. So I shall. My anger got the 
better of m^^ judgment but now I see that you are right. 
I will agree to accept you offer. 

Pj-ince. Some cunning impulse has prevailed to 
change j^ourmind. However, I shall do my part. The 
parchment. Give it to me. Prince writes and seals it. 

King. Hand me the order. ( Takes it. ) Wise 
Prince ! Erudite Prince ! Enlightened Prince ! Most 
learned man. To trap this wise Ulysses is indeed a 
feat that I shall boast of to my dying day. Had you 
been acute 3'ou would have known that nothing could 
prevail with me to spare j^our friend: that he was friend 
to you was quite enough to sign his death-warrant. 

Prince. Your silly twaddle amuses me, it would 
please me, if it were not so base. 

Kiiig. It is very strange that you do not like my 
wit. To-morrow you shall taste my medicine and per- 
haps you will like that better. At present this warrant 
is all that I desire from you. Have horse and men to 
go at once to bring my child. Exit attendants. 

Prince. It might save some trouble if you but take 
the time to read the warrant. 

28 



Kmg. {Readi?ig.) To our honored warden, greet- 
ing : These presents are your warrant only when 
countersigned by Garner in your presence — only when 
countersigned by Garner in your presence 

Garne?\ Hurrah ! The King is balked in his design. 

Prince. {Aside. ) Together let us seize an oppor- 
tunit}^ to force our way out. I'll give the cue. 

King. This is the basest of treachery and positive 
proof that you keep no faith. 

Prince. I have another reason to present why you 
should stay the execution of your judgment. A few 
words will suffice. We are about to pass down this 
long hall, at the further end of which we may see the 
blessed light for the last time. As we go forth these 
men will move to give us room. Their ready knives 
hang listlessh' at their side. Together ! we are off! 

King. Help me! Help me! Keep them away 
from me for the}^ are desperate and would do me 
harm. Stop them! Hoist the drawbridge! Close 
the gates! lyock the door! Bring me my arms. Let's 
follow them. Exeunt all. 

ACT III. Scene i. Evening of same day. The 
dining-room of the palace. King and Queen^ courtiers 
and ladies in ivaiting. 

Quee7i. My Lord, this is the anniversary of our 
wedding day, and I have ordered a supper prepared in 
remembrance of that happy time. Be seated. Our 
faithful friends will all unite to wish us joy and con- 
tinued happiness. We drink to the health of our 
most gracious King. 

29 



All. Your majesty's health and joy! 

Couf'tier. As those from the orient say, "May 
your shadow never grow less." 

King. Now I'll quaff another bowl to that same 
shadow. Shadow we drink to you. Now we will 
drink to the shadow of each of us. 

Queen. Do not drink too much of this strong wine. 

Kijig. I'll drink what wine I wish or know the 
reason why. 

Lady Gle7idowyn. It is the custom, your highness, 
on occasions such as this to grant some favor as a 
token of thanksgiving. I should like to ask for one 
to-night. 

Ki7ig. On you I willingly would bestow any favor 
that you might ask, or take it, even before it is asked. 

Lady G. I must ask and then I fear I shall ask too 
much. 

King. Never fear for that. My board is far too 
great to fear depletion. 

Lady G. The favor that I ask will not deplete your 
board. When I make bold to ask for favors they are 
not such as I may buy. It is for love's sake alone I 
come, to save from your anger one whose nobility has 
won my favor. 

First Courtic7\ The King is far too gallant to re- 
fuse a boon like that. 

Seco7id Lady. There is no doubt of that. Come, 
friends, another toast to the gallant King. 

Ki7ig. Here is to the health and joy of those who 
please us; to sparkling wit and gracious beauty. Let 

30 



me know your lover's name and I will order his re- 
lease. 

Lady G. The archer Cupid shoots his darts from 
nooks we least suspect. To-day his shaft struck me, 
and ever since I pine for love. To-day there came 
here two strangers, the one so young, so handsome, 
gallant, courteous, true; a faithful friend that could 
not but make a faithful husband, and as I looked at 
him soft glances shot from eye to eye, and then I 
knew I loved. 

King. I shall gladl}^ give him welcome here. I^et 
me know his name and I shall send for him. 

Lady G. He has offended you most grievously, 
but I know his heart is true and that he meant no 
real offense. I wall answer for his future conduct. 
And now, your majesty, will you send your men to 
release young Garner ? 

King. Everywhere I hear that name. Release 
him ? I could not think of it. He has insulted me 
before the court and is the dearest friend the Prince 
of Melbourne has. Ask me anything, but not that. 

Sec. Cour. The King would not refuse to keep a 
promise that he made the I^ady Glendowyn. 

King. I never promised to pardon Garner. You 
knew my feelings upon that subject before you asked. 

Sec. Cour. It is the Lady Glendowyn who has 
asked. I know you hold her in the very highest 
favor and we plead with her. 

King. If the Lady Glendowyn will make another 
choice I will gladly aid her with all my wealth and all 
my power. 

31 



Lady G. A lady's love should not be hawked 
about nor sold to highest bidder. 

Sec. Lady. For the love we bear the Lady Glen- 
dowyn we all unite to ask you to grant this favor to 
her lover. 

Ail. Yes, we beg it of you. 

Sec. Cour. To be the husband of the Lady Glen- 
dowyn is sufficient guarantee that there wall be no 
treason. Too long she has followed all our fortunes 
to doubt of this. 

King. I had rather that she had asked me for my 
right hand. It is true I owe her something, but she 
knew my feelings in this matter before she asked and 
so she can blame nobody but herself. 

Lady G. Your majesty condems me to a cheerless 
life. 

Sec. Cour. We urge you to do this act of kindness. 

Ki?ig. If I granted him a pardon it would only set 
a prize for acts of the boldest treason. I cannot do it. 

Qiiee?i. I come to aid the Lady Glendowyn. Have 
you forgot, my love, that this is anniversary of the 
day, when holding fast my hand, you vowed to love 
and cherish me, for better or for worse, forever and 
forever. Have you so soon forgot those happy, happy 
days, when life was all a dream; when first our daugh- 
ter came, illuming all our home with her sweet light ? 
You loved that daughter then, would carry her in 
your strong arms for hours and hours together, laugh- 
ing at her lisping trials to call "papa," and tangling 
her golden tresses in your play. Can you forget all this? 
A mother's love sinks deeper and ever deeper in the 

32 



heart as it grows old. I have come to ask, on this old 
score, this captive's life for mine : for mine goes out 
unless by hasty action she is restored to me. The 
clammy hand of death even now lies hard upon my 
heart. It is dead, dead, dead. You surely will not 
refuse my boon. 

King. It must occur to any wife, without a hint 
from her husband, that to the head alone belongs the 
final disposition of affairs. These matters are entirely 
without a woman's sphere and henceforth I put most 
urgent prohibition against all meddling. 

Queen. The cause in which I vSpeak must offer my 
excuse for any seeming lack of courtes}^ 

King. The cause in w^hich you speak ! You speak 
in behalf of two lives that are condemned to death by 
all the rules of war, and yet, you seem to glory in their 
acts. 

Queen. I know of nothing braver. He flung away 
all prudence and came to save his brother. All 
thought of self he cast aside. It is true that I admired 
his noble bearing and I would be ashamed if I had not. 
He bore himself so proudly, so haughtily defied 3'our 
power. You, the captor, sat trembling there instead 
of taking up the challenge that he flung into your teeth. 

King. The bold defiance of the devil seems to take 
possession of all about me, making them forget their 
treason in speaking for his purposes. 

Queen. I wish for quiet in my grief. Any untimel}^ 
reproaches ma}^ urge me on until I give my anger full 
vent. 

King. There is something more than the love for 
a child in this. You seem intensely fond of this same 

33 



Prince. If it is proven that 3'ou love this madcap 
Prince I'll join 3- our doom to his and place 3'ou in a 
grave together. 

Qiieeji. This ends all. There are no bounds to the 
insults that 3^ou heap on those about you. Perhaps I 
have given more cause for this than I intended. A 
wife's allegiance should be first to her husband and 
not her child. M}^ angry passions carried me too far. 
I entreat your forgiveness and for the future you shall 
have no reason to complain. To assuage my grief I'll 
learn to love the more and seek b}^ every act that is 
known to woman to sooth 3'our cares, lighten your 
burdens, increase your joys and thus earn 3'our full con- 
fidence again. Come, kiss me love. Put m3' sincereti^ 
to the proof : change the hour of execution to the 
morning and like a Spartan mother I will be there to 
see their end although with them m3^ daughter dies, 
but by such means I hope to quiet all suspicion aroused 
against me. 

Kiyig. I will make this change to test 3^ou, and I 
extend a cordial invitation to all to see the end of this. 

Lady G. Not I. M3^ soul is filled with grief enough. 

King. Tut, tut. Love is not kindled quite so fast. 
Besides so small a spark is quickly quenched. In your 
next venture choose with more care and 3^ou have m3^ 
promise to aid 3^ou with all m3^ heart. 

Lady G. Oh, that I had the eas>' conscience that 
keeps 3^ou compan3^ 

King. It is the happiness of a good digestion and 
an open heart. Come, m3^ Queen, we must prepare 
for the morrow's work. Exeunt all. 

34 



ACT III. Scene 2. Sa??ie day. Corridor ajid cell 
in the castle prison, at midnight. Queen and attendajit 
movirig through the corridor. 

Queen. Tread gentl}'. Hide your light under the 
corner of your cloak. It is death if we are found. 
The third cell upon the right. Ah, here it is. Before 
we enter: tell me, are you prepared to finish this work 
at any cost ? No torment yet devised could satisfy the 
half of his revenge if he should take us while we are 
engaged upon this task. 

Atte?idant. Your majest}^, I come prepared. No- 
body has any interest in his schemes. Each of us feels 
that nobody is safe from the hxry of his wrath if he 
makes the least mistake. The slightest thing brings 
upon our heads the most fearful punishments, he never 
ceases his angry cursing. Let us get to work. Every- 
body wishes for the chance to get away. 

Queen. You have provided the cold chisel to cut 
liis irons ? 

Att. I have it here and a hammer too. 

Qiieen. Hark ! Did you not hear a footstep? 

Att. It was the squeaking of a rat. There are lots 
of them in here. 

Queen. The merest breath disturbs my overwrought 
nerves. I tremble at a shadow ; start at the rustle of 
m}^ gown. This day has been filled with sorrow. 
May such another never dawn ! The strange perver- 
sity of fate! To-day is the anniversary of my marriage 
and I thought to spend it joyfully. Come, unlock the 
door and let us get to work. Attendant unlocks the 

35 



door ayid both enter the cell. These dungeon walls are 
little to your liking ? 

Prince. Spare your taunts. Leave in peace the 
little measure of our life remaining. My mind is now 
transfixed with gloom. Leave us alone, I pray you. 

Queen. You mistake me, my soul is far too sad to 
revel in a taunt. 

Garner. What is your purpose here ? 

Queen. To-day, in words that froze my blood, I 
heard the Prince of Melbourne tell of orders that he 
left to hang my child. Since that time I have her 
constantly before my eyes, suspended, swaying in the 
breezes, a cold and stiffened corpse. I sought to save 
her but my hopes have been blasted by him on whom 
I should rely for consolation and for succor and so I 
turn to you. 

Prince. He is your husband. 

Queen. He was my husband. If by any act of self 
a wife may free herself from mate contemned, despised, 
disdained : then he no longer bears the right to the 
title you have bestowed upon him. It is only with 
abhorence that I look upon him. To-night I leave 
him and I come to offer you your liber t}^ to accompany 
you and get my child again. 

Prince. It was not liberty for myself I asked. 

Queen. I have no choice. I offer it to either. 

Gar7ier. It must be for both. A mother trading 
for the child she loves puts all bounds to price aside. 

Queen. I have not come to barter but to free my 
child and you can have whatever I can give. 

36 



Pri7ice. Have you the key that unlocks these 
shackles ? 

Queen. He carries it himself bound around his 
waist, but I have brought a chisel and a hammer too. 

Prince. Such tools will never cut these bars of iron 
within the limit of the time allotted for our stay on 
earth. We scarce could tell a dozen strokes before the 
howling pack would be upon us. 

Queen. Do not despond so quickly. Have hope. 
Anticipation is often far worse than the reality. See ! 
here are the means at hand, at least to make an attempt. 
To see you die like the sheep in the shambles would 
gratify the ghoulish instincts lodged in him. We have 
more time for he has changed the hour of execution 
until morning. Come, come, we lose time, courage ! 
M}^ daughter ma}^ yet be saved and you be free. Here 
are the tools. To work ! Despair of woman now 
drives on the man despondent. We have at least a 
chance. 

Prince. If there be one chance in one thousand, 
yes, one chance in one million I would flay the skin 
from my hands with constant effort. When the skin 
is gone the flesh would follow, after the flesh the bone, 
until there should be left but what suffices to thrust a 
dagger in his breast or draw the trigger of a weapon 
aimed at him. Garner, I have wakened now to noble 
effort, we shall be free. But we cannot trust such 
tools as these for they would sound the alarm before 
we are fairly started. A fine toothed saw is what we 
need. 

Queen. Hasten to the kitchen and bring us two 
saws. Exit Attendant. I will join in this work, it is 
worthy of a Queen. 

37 



Garner. It is the cause we struggle for as well as 
the labor done that must be weighed. 

Priiice. I^et us get ready for this work. Sit upon 
the floor so that they may work with speed and have 
the advantage of free action and direct stroke. 

Queen. Oh, why does he stay so long ? Could any- 
thing have happened ? Do you think he would betray 
us ? The fever of impatience burns my brain until I 
cannot think. Why doesn't he come ? What's that? 
Was that the King? No. No. It was a phantom 
of my brain. I fear that I shall lose my reason. 

Garner. He will be here in but a moment. Calm 
yourself. We have much work to do and will need 
your strength. 

Priiice. How are we to leave the castle ? 

Queen. The front of this castle is deemed so strong 
that there he seldom stations many men. My kinsman 
guards that gate to-night and he will see that all the 
men are drunk or that their weapons are beyond their 
reach. Coming from the rear we are upon them before 
they have a chance to move. The gate will be un- 
locked. What sound is that ? Is it the King ? Re- 
enter Attendant ivith saivs. At last ! Here are the saws. 

Prince. To work ! This saw was never fashioned 
for work like this. Garner, it will hurt you cruelly to 
bear the pain of steady application. Queen a7id Attend- 
ant saiv. 

Gajiier. It is a biting thing but it will gnaw us free. 

Prince. (^To Attendant.) You are skilled beyond 
the Queen in the use of it. Go lend your skill to Gar- 
ner ; he came upon this ill-starred trip for me alone. 

38 



My conscience pricks me that I suffered him to thus 
tempt fate. Garner groans. 

Prmce. My God ! That stiffled moan has drawn 
and quartered body, mind and soul. Garner ! Garner! 
Bear it yet awhile. Afford me an opportunity to ren- 
der back to you a partial payment for the suffering 
that you have borne for me. Haste good man ! Hus- 
band all your strength. Put your best skill in each 
strong stroke. The prize is worthy of 3'our work. 
Gariier is released a7id faints. Good Queen, sweet 
Queen, kind Queen, saw. I bid j^ou saw the foot from 
my leg. On stumps I'll hobble to his chamber door 
to execute my vengence. 

Attendant. Let me finish it. In another minute 
you will be free. 

Enter King. 

Kiyig. Ha ! Ha ! Just in the nick of time. What ! 
dare you raise your hand against your King ? Attend- 
a?tt a7id King both fire and the Kijig kills the Attendant. 
Your long account is settled now. Each of 3^ou vipers 
shall meet the fate you have so long deserved. My 
wafe here too ! Whom can we trust when marriage vows 
have such slack hold to keep our wives within the 
bounds of decency ? You both shall die and all the 
world shall know your shame. Queen rushes past him. 
Ha ! Ha ! You suppose you have escaped me by this 
tardy flight ! I will punish her more at my leisure. 
You are the next to play your part. What do you 
think of it ? 

Prince. My words can bear but a faint and faded 
meaning of what I would express : the loathing and 
contempt I feel are far beyond their power. 

39 



King. Wh}^ not sneer loose that chain and shackle? 
I would tr}' it. Your cumiing counts for naught it 
seems. You will die like a cur upon a bloody sheep. 
Why not resent such death ? Measure your nerves 
against mine and calmly stand and watch me load this 
w^eapon with which I intend to kill you. See how 
carefull}^ I measure out the grains. Not one of them 
shall feel the insult of losing its full part in this good 
work. Now take your ball, a good, round, smooth 
ball, with patching cut exactly to the size. Prince 
reaches for the AttendanV s pistol and ammunition pouch, 
pours some powder dozvn the barrel, drops in an unpatched 
ball, gives it one ha)'d 7'ap to shake it donm. I have 
waked the tiger but you have started late. You shall 
not beat me. No. No. Not that. Hold your mur- 
derous hand. This is a Kingly quarrel, to be fought 
with weapons worthy persons of our rank. I'll have 
them brought. I surrender the castle and all my men, 
humbling myself to 3'our stern will. Grant only that 
I may live. Life is so sweet. See ! See ! I throw my 
weapon down. You are bound in honor not to kill an 
unarmed foe. Upon my knees I beg you spare me. 
My wife ! my child ! Have pity, have mercy for ni}^ 
helpless family. 

Prince. Pity ! Mercy ! An unarmed foe ! When 
have you shown yourself worth}^ that name of foe ? 
There are some beasts we shoot without a chance for 
life. Fires. With one or tivo sharp bloivs of the ham- 
mer he breaks the shackles. Takes ammunition pouch 
and pistol. Up ! Garner ! Up ! The}' 're all aroused. 
The guards will leave their posts and crowd to know 
the cause of all this noise. Prince takes Garner in his 
arms. Exit, carrying Garner. 

40 , 



Eyiter Soldiers. 

Soldiers. What was that noise ? Where was it ? 

Sec. Sol. There is the smell of smoke in this place. 

Third Sol. What have we here ? The King is dead ! 

Fourth Sol. Are you sure of that ? Yes, it is true. 
Come roll him out, he stinks. 

First Sol. Go tell the Queen. 

Fourth Sol. Here she conies. 

Re-enter Queen. 

Queen. The Prisoners? Where are the prisoners? 

All. They have escaped. 

Third Sol. Hasten ! We may overtake them yet. 

Qiieen. Go guard the exit to the rear, perhaps they 
may take that way out. I will arouse the castle. 
Exeu7it all. 

ACT IV. Scene i. Beside a brook in the forest of 
Melbourne just before daioi of the following day. Bright 
moonlight. 

Prince. These forests echo with the welcome call 
of the winding horn which bids them cease pursuit. 
I'll find some grassy spot beside this crystal brook, 
w^herein to lull to rest, fanned by gentle breezes, this 
bruised and weary body. Gently, mother earth, extend 
thy loving arms to take the care of the fairest, bravest, 
noblest youth I ever knew. Take care of him until I 
go to fetch some cool and sparkling water from the 
brook to bathe his waxen brow and coax the color back 
to his pale cheeks. Goes for itater and returning bathes 
Garner's brozv. There, there, so cool, so sweet, re- 

41 



freshing, charging your tired body with new life. 
Come, Garner ! Garner ! wilt thou not vouchsafe one 
single smile, one look, one little movememt to bespeak 
the lingering spark of life? Does not this draught, 
the purest gift our God has sent, refresh you ; stimu- 
lating your weak pulse to beat wdth its accustomed 
stroke and arrest hot fever's progress? What! Not 
yet returned to life? I'm sickened with this dull and 
heavy load of fearful dread. Open these eyelids that 
curtain off from me those eyes of pure celestial blue, 
that hint of heaven, of life, of love, bringing thoughts 
and feelings as yet unnamed by us poor mortals. 

Garner. Where am I ? What are we doing here. 

Pririce. The chill that hovered around is warmed 
by one sweet breath of heaven wafted down to earth. 
This gives me, impoverished beggar that I am, starved 
and thirsting, some small crumb of hope, one drop of 
cheer to moisten ni}^ tongue that it may assiduously 
court kind words to prompt you back to life. You 
little dream of what you have conferred on me by your 
resurrection. It was not an idle bond we sealed when 
first we clasped our hands and pledged our faith. The 
heart knew, and chose with feeling that was true 
before the mind had time to act. Then it was I learned 
the first responses to the prayer of love. Grant me 
leave to lisp and chatter forth my joy, as doting par- 
ents prattle to their infant heir. I wish to tell how all 
melody seems imprisoned in 3'our voice ; the wood 
thrush note is turned to discord by the music of it. I 
wander in a maze of perfumed flowers, choosing the 
rarest of them all for you and when it sees the per- 
fection of your grace this faded beauty sinks upon its 
wilted stem. The flood of your charms overwhelms 



me and as I tell your graces over and over my mind's 
distraught with all the wealth that you have brought 
to me ; to pay that debt I'll live and strive, even as a 
brother for his brother, a mother for her child, even 
as a lover attempting to woo some token of regard 
from her he loves. 

Gar7ier. Hold me yet awhile in your strong arms, 
so. I seem to live upon the strength you furnish me. 
Forever could I lie thus, content ; watching life's 
stream go drifting by, too happy in my bliss to venture 
from the shore. I am so happy now ! Have I been 
here long, pray tell me what has happened ? 

Pri7ice. Your fetters were cut just as the Duke 
came in. You fainted before he came, and as he 
taunted me a glimmer of your fate flashed across my 
mind and as a tiger crunches living prey I, merciless, 
tore from him his soul, bespattered and besmeared 
with filth. I bore you limp and lifeless in my arms 
from those gaping jaws ; it seemed in vain, so long 
you lingered in death's shadow. I feared your life 
had sped and w^hile I said "there's hope" my mind 
mistrusted what my wish affirmed. Then all the world 
seemed blank, the mocking birds in this bright light 
sent forth their warbling strains ; those notes broke 
discordanth^ upon my ear and lost to all sense of har- 
mony re-echoed my sad thoughts. Those dreary 
thoughts, like busy hammers striking blow on blow, 
rent and wrenched my heart until it seemed that it 
must break beneath the strain. The world had nothing 
to compensate the loss. By dint of constant coaxing 
life at length came back to you. Beside myself with 
joy, so many happy thoughts w^ent flitting through my 
mind I had not time to pluck, arrange, nor aptly place 

43 



the multitude of pictures fancy strew so thickly about. 
The picture once conceived I sought to fasten it with 
chain of words most polished, but ere it could be done 
another took its place and tempted thus the first's 
abandoned ; so I culled and culled in that v^ast store 
and then saved none except of you in life again. 

Gamer. Like hasheesh dreams your wordb instil a 
peace so deep, so solemn, grand, I would it might con- 
tinue through eternity. Serenade me yet awhile wdth 
your sweet words. 

Pri7ice. This theme's a harp of many strings that 
could be touched with variations infinite to sound my 
joy and happiness. In that delirious joy I viewed 
again every pleasant scene I ever saw^ ; I seemed to 
wander on the seashore while the weaves in wanton 
vSport piled high their foaming crests, then 3'ou came 
beside me and are no sooner seen than each approach- 
ing, makes its graceful bow and falls, content to perish 
after seeing 3^ou. 

Garner. Can such happy, happy times endure for- 
ever. 

Prijice. I am resolved to task my mind from hour 
to hour with schemes to please you and it must endure. 
There are many maids at court, the pick and choice 
of all belongs to you, the fairest, noblest, kindest, 
gentlest maid shall grace your nuptials. We shall be 
four together. 

Garner. Do you thing to favor me in this? Do 
you think that there is anything that will fill the void 
and aching depth of absence? So kindly you have 
removed my dreams I scarcely know they're gone. By 
this I am to know that you will marry one of them ; 

44 



that even now some fair lad}^ in happiness, looks for- 
ward to the day when she shall call you husband ? 

Pri7ice. There is a lady there that makes some claim 
to my hand, it was a promise made in early youth that 
I feel bound to keep. 

Garner. We gaze at joys that others have with 
intense longing and wondering all the while why it has 
been so ordered : see others grasp the prize that lies so 
close our hearts and filch from us our dearest hopes 
without a question of their worth. 

Prince. They shall not break one single strand of 
all that bind us. Come, come, you're turning green 
with jealousy, like the lover begrudging every bit of 
love bestowed on mother, brother, sister, father, friend, 
imagining that wdiat is spent on them is wasted from 
his store, a total loss to him. Love is a flower, the 
more that it is plucked, the more there bloom in place 
of those we take. 

Garner. You little know these wives if 3^ou think 
that they will tamely sit and see the affection spent 
that they themselves are hungering for. 

Prince. Should my wife be such a shrew as you 
have thought, we will take ourselves into the tented 
field and there, amid the grinding crash of arms and 
strife, will share the joys and sorrows as they come. 
The law decreed " Survive the fittest," even love. 

Garner. Then hope remains. 

Prifice. We have talked and gabbled like two old 
maids exchanging thoughts on how to raise a child 
or bachelors laying dow^n the law to govern wives. 
There is more serious w^ork for us to do before w^e move 
into these airy castles. 

45 



Gar?ier. I have gathered strength to make the fight 
anew and fairly meet the brunt of fate. The fights 
that are unseen are often hardest won. Will you kind- 
ly lend your strength to my weak ankles ? Exit Pritice 
a7id Garyier. 

ACT IV. Scene 2. The seco7id day follozving . A 
small, dark room of the castle. Queen and several 
attenda7its. 

Attenda?it. Your highness, the body of the King 
lies w^aiting your final orders. 

Quee?i. I am sinking deeper and deeper into the 
mire of despondency. All is lost, lost, lost, husband, 
the faithless fiends who bargained for my very soul 
and cheated me at the end. They have abandoned me 
and my child. Oh! my child! Everything seems lost. 

Att. May it please your majesty, where shall we 
bury him ? 

Ouee7i. In some secluded spot where the sight of 
the rounded mound will seldom meet my gaze to call 
to mind the awful horrors of yesterday. Those villains! 
oh, those villains ! cheating me of what is priceless ! 
Usury takes at most but part, but they have taken all 
and left not even vengeance for my share. Not ven- 
geance for me ? Did I say that they have taken ven- 
geance from me? No doubt they are laughing, in 
sport and wnth mockery at how the}^ have deceived the 
trusting Queen and thwarted her. Let them laugh ! 
It is a cursed laugh and cursed shall be the laughers. 
Let me laugh too. Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! M}^ laugh is with- 
out the sound of mirth, an empty rattle like the grin- 
ing skeleton of mirth and quiet as pleasing. I stand 
like a chattering fool that offers prayer to the stinging 

46 



knout for mercy and helpless writhes beneath the 
blows of those he might have destroyed had he but 
borne before the half of what he now endures. This 
is the time for action, not for prayers. Dump the body 
of the King wherever you wish, then bring a hot 
brazier and branding irons and skewers. Bring me 
that hated boy, the Prince's brother, and bid him come 
to meet his brother, who awaits him here and longs to 
clasp him in his arms. Make this chamber dark and 
gloomy, lighted only by the flickering glare of one 
poor torch. Bring with you strong and lusty men ; 
grimy men that are more like devils than men. I 
want you to exercise your ingenuity to make it most 
dreadful. Hasten, obey my orders. I am going mad. 
Mag? Who calls Mag? Mag? Mag? That's my 
name. It's long, long years since last its welcome 
sound has reached my ears. Re-e7iter Attendajit with 
me7i. Back fiends, back. Would you dare to enter 
here, to profane with your foul hands the sacred dead, 
the holy dead ? Leave me alone with my dead child ! 

Att. Your majesty, here is the boy. 

Quee?i. I forgot. Where am I ? Have you told 
him what I bid you say ? 

Att. We have and he is more than pleased to think 
his brother has returned for him and grows impatient 
at dela3\ 

Queen. Have these skewers hot, hissing hot, and as 
they pierce their burning way take note of how his flesh 
shall twitch! The stink and smell of burning flesh will 
seem like incense to my crazy nose. Attendants pre- 
pare to bind the boy arid he groayis. No shrieks, no 
groans, no tears. My heart is hardened and turned to 
stone by the acts of your perfidious brother for whom 

47 



you make atonement. Bind him fast. Enter Prince 
and Soldiers. Villain, villain. Seize this fiend who 
caused all this woe. 

Prince. Back ! Back ! Every one of you. The 
castle is in my hands, my soldiers swarm about the 
halls and further strife is but a waste of life. I grant 
mercy to all of you. 

Queeyi. Grant mercy to me whom you have so deep- 
ly wronged ! You are all cowards but watch a mother 
fight in behalf of her whom she loves. A sword, a 
sword. Stab, slay, kill, let not one live ! 

PT'i7ice. Close in and do not leave them room to act, 
this woman is for me. {Queen rushes np07i him ivith 
a swo7'd. Disarmed, before you make a second stroke. 
Hold her ! What do 3^ou mean by this relentless rage? 

Qiieen. On bended knees I tugged and strained to 
cut your shackles, for which you promised to give me 
back my child. But no sooner are you free than you 
forget all sense of the obligations due to me and hasten 
to save yourself, unmindful that my child perished 
when you failed to revoke the orders for her hanging. 

Pri7ice. I remember the tale I told about her hang- 
ing, but rest satisfied for she is unharmed and free and 
in a moment will join you here. Put down your arms. 
Go bring the child. Exit Soldier. Whence comes 
this ill-favored crowd ? What does this brazier mean? 
What have you there ? My God ! My brotlil^- ! Out 
of the way ! My dear boy ! I^et not a single man 
leave this room. If they have injured a single hair of 
him they shall make full amends. Are you hurt? 
These cords did not hold you so gently as your brother's 
arms. Come nestle in my lap as you have often done 

48 



before. It has been long indeed since last I saw your 
smiling face. Wipe your tears and show that face as 
happy as was your w^ont in former days. Have you 
forgotten those pleasant days when we have romped 
and played beneath the oaks ? 

Brother. Brother dear, it is so good to see you once 
again, to feel that I can romp and play without a fear. 
You will never leave me alone again ? 

Prince. You are not hurt ! 

Brother. I was more scared than hurt. 

Prince. How^ slowdy these days have dragged their 
weary courses since j^ou were lost to me. 

Queeyi. I am impatient for ni}^ child ! 

Prince. She will be here in but a moment. She was 
placed out of harm's way when w^e made the assault. 

Queen. I can hardly wait a minute longer. You 
strained my nerves too much when you described the 
stern reprisal you w^ould make for any harm that 
should befall your friend. The vivid picture of her 
dangling form that I had seen you draw led me to 
think that 3'ou could add some forms of torture un- 
known to the fiend himself. 

Prince. I told the truth up to the very point where 
I stopped. These orders were issued as I have said, 
but others travelled after, revoking by their later date, 
those issued first. Our leave was very quickly taken 
and quite differently from the way we had arranged ; 
thus it w^as I failed to give you warning that she was 
safe. We w^ould have been an ingrate if we had mali- 
ciously left you in such a lurch. Make way, for here 
she comes. 

49 



Enter Attendant and Priyicess. 

Queen. My daughter ! 

Child. Mother ! 

Queefi. My life seems now without a care. I have 
learned the way to live ; the crooks and turns have 
disappeared and I look straight forward to our goal. 

Prince. Henceforth you dwell at Murray Wood. 
I will provide ample accommodation for 3'OU there. 
If anything is lacking let me know, and I will seek at 
once to remedy it. 

Queeyi. I start at once, and hope to bid a long 
farewell to all the suffering I have borne since coming 
here. In the future 3'OU shall have no better subject. 
My acts shall prove my loyalty. Adieu. 

Exit Qiieeyi and Daughter. 

Prince. Adieu ! and with my best wishes for a 
happy future. Now, comrades, let us take formal 
possession of our lands again. Exeimt all. 

ACT V. Scene i. The follozui?ig day. Room of 
the palace. Serving maid busily engaged i7i a7'ranging 
weariyig apparel. Eiiter Eirst Page. 

Eirst Page. Here are some more parcels for the 
lady. 

Maid. More parcels ! here ! here ! Put them on 
this table. Eirst Page drops them. You put them 
down as if you carried bricks. 

Eirst Page. Let me right the damage I have done. 
Can I help you in any way? 

50 



Maid. Do you think that you could press dresses 
smooth ? 

First Page. I'll press one very smooth, about the 
waist. 

Maid. Sh ! Sh ! Her ladyship is within. Do not 
make your advances with so much noise. 

First Page. But you will let me help you with your 
work? 

Maid. If you insist, I have no way to stop you but 
you had better be engaged upon some other task. You 
have not strength enough to press these dresses smooth 
enough to suit the girls. 

First Page. Indeed, then I shall try again. 

Filter Garner. 

Garner. Ah! I have caught you, have I? The 
crime consists, not in the loving, we all do that I hope, 
but in being caught in open protestation of the fact. 
As this is the first offense it should not be punished 
too severely. 

Maid. It was not my fault, indeed it was not. 

Garner. You think then that you ought to grow 
ashamed ? There is no path that you can tread to lead 
you higher, provided that you love truly. 

Maid. My lady, love comes to us in many forms 
and we must be careful to know if it is true or only 
masked. Perhaps your ladyship has felt that doubt. 
Men are such deceivers. 

Garner. My love is far beyond the range of what I 
may attain. Within the deep recesses of my heart I 
buried it but its gentle glow warms all my life. 

51 



Enter Second Page. 

Sec. Page. Is Garner here ? The Prince is waiting 
for him. 

Maid. I have a great curiosity to see that man, 
report speaks so well of him. 

Sec. Page. Have you seen him here ? I was directed 
to this chamber to look for him. They told me he 
was here. 

Maid. This lady has this room. He would not 
dare intrude. Exit Eirst and Second Pages. 

Garner. I can delay this matter no longer. I wish 
that I had never ventured out in a garb so ill befitting 
a modest woman. I fear there is no hope for me 
because he knows the life that I have led. Those 
barriers have grown high and have become insuperable 
obstacles that I can neither force, nor pass by strategy. 
Although by birth we are so nearly equal, the knowl- 
edge of my acts would bring the blush of shame to him. 
He never would excuse my life in camp. He has 
requested my presence and I shall appear to-day 
arrayed in the very finest garments that I have. Make 
haste to bring the best, the very best I have. 

Maid. My lady, to-day the rarest gowns I ever saw 
have poured so thick and fast I scarcely- knew where 
they could be stored. Your ladyship has but to suggest 
and I can have at hand most anything becoming to a 
woman. See ! this turquoise blue or this pink that 
may be compared to the inner part of shells. Here is 
the rarest shade of brown, a color that furnishes so 
many possibilities for the exercise of taste. 

Garner. You pall me with this quantit}^ and like a 
child that's seated at a feast I know not which to 

52 



choose the first. Take them all away. I will make 
my appearance before him in the habit of a 3^outh. 

Maid. Goodness gracious me ! You could not 
think of shocking the court by doing such a thing. 

Gamer. Is it then so shocking for a girl to dress 
herself in clothes for men, provided that she keeps 
within the bounds prescribed by modesty ? 

Maid. That would not be within the bounds of 
modesty. Such an act is immodest and I should leave 
my place at once to seek another, should you attempt 
it, if ni}^ character had not receive a shock beyond 
repair. 

Gamer. Do people judge all things by mere 
appearances ? 

Maid. Would you ask of them to stop and think ? 
They crowd so fast upon the heels of each other there 
is no time to stop. 

Garner. Put them away again. I should be repulsed 
and scorned by him as some vile thing. I could never 
survive such ignomy. Yet he must know I did no 
evil act, no impure word has passed my lips, no action 
could suggest a thought of wrong. I will go in. Let 
me throw about my shoulders that dainty wrap that 
hangs beside my hat. Am I not fair? Can you 
observe a thing that could be changed for betterment ? 

Maid. Your ladyship is beautiful and everybody 
must admire you. 

Garner. He cannot miss the thought, "What shall 
I do with her in this attire ? ' ' 

Maid. The burden of your talk would seem to indi- 
cate that you misdoubt your power to make the port 

53 



for which you sail and if all ladies should shrink like 
this from the attempt there would be little conquest 
for our sex. 

Carrier. There are no new worlds for me to con- 
quer. I simply seek to keep what I now have. I wage 
a defensive warfare and do not seek for the spoil of 
others love. Come, put on the final touches. I am 
resolved to make my appearance at this reception in 
seemly dress. Use all your art and skill to make me 
favorable. 

Maid. You are dressed with simplicity but with 
true art. The dress you wear could not be better. I 
shall endeavor to emphasize the grace it half conceals. 

Garner. This hat will never suit my dress. 

Maid. It is perfection and becomes you well. But 
you will not need a hat. 

Garner. Surely you could make this dress agree 
more with my peculiar stjde of beauty. I would not 
make my entrance there in any garb that showed the 
slightest flaw. Give me that other wrap ; that soft, 
smooth fur will serve to take away all harshness that 
may strike his eye. What have we here ? A letter ! 
Reads. ' ' My Dear Borge : — You ask for favors far 
beyond my power to grant. I have so slight a hold 
upon my liberty I can scarcely call it mine. The neo- 
phyte in his cloistered cell has a wider range than I, 
so closely they watch me. The purpose that we had 
in mind has gone astray. Not only has he laughed at 
their strong bars but killed the Duke as well and 
changed what we designed for favor into grief. Those 
whom we thought to trap have turned sly and caught 
us in the net we spread for them. If you can escape 

54 



their toils, take instant flight to parts beyond the sea, 
go to your own home and when the rigor of restraint 
is somewhat lessened I will join you there to keep the 
promise that I made to you. Forgive me that the 
plans on which you staked so much have gone awry ; 
my disappointment was as keen as yours." How 
came this letter here ? 

Maid. By a mistake these garments lay a little 
while in the room of Lady Catherine. I am a stranger 
to the turns and crooks you make on your way hither; 
turning to the left instead of right I missed my way 
and left them for a space of time with her. 

Game?'. It must be hers and yet the purport of this 
letter is foul treachery. It could not be hers, it must 
belong to some of her attendants. It is addressed 
" My Dear Borge." However it is certain that who- 
ever penned these lines sent on before the message that 
discovered us to the Duke, knowing full well the con- 
sequences that she arranged. I will give, this letter to . 
the Prince and tell him how I came by it so he may 
guard himself from some foul plot that is now hatching 
in our midst. If I do that it will impute a charge of 
treason to the Lady Catherine, for she should know 
how it came to be placed in my wrap. It would augur 
ill for me to attempt the disgrace of her whom rumor 
says the Prince will soon proclaim his wife, nor would 
I help to destroy his dream of love although I might 
profit by it. With what grace could I present this 
letter to blast his hopes of happiness ? It is so easy to 
tear down, so hard to build aright. But when he held 
me in his arms he did not seem to care for her. 

Maid. Your ambition has a stronger wing that first 
\ thought. ^ ^j ^ 

55 



^|p 



Garner. Alas ! it is only from a distance I may 
gaze ; I have no right to come too close. 

Maid. If there has ever been a lover who could 
look upon a picture such as this and turn away without 
regret he must be more or less than human. 

Garner. Do you think that I am fair enough to 
awaken love in him ? Good fortune is too frail to keep 
apace with my desires. It is ordered that we should 
wait beneath the tree of love until the ripened fruit 
shall fall. I could not, if I would, use any wile to 
make him break his promise. My courage is not equal 
to the task of playing in this double part. What shall 
I do ? My fate is dashing on its wild career and yet 
I sit helpless nor dare to lift a hand to guide its course. 
A gambler with his gold upon the dice draws sympathy 
for the strain he labors under but we must be of stone, 
remain impassive while the throw is made. I own a 
baffled hope, a secret longing, the wish for something 
to surpass the miracle ; a quick resentment against 
conditions I have no power to alter. I should like to 
leave all fears behind, be free to voice my thoughts. 
I tremble for fear that his rebuke may be made stronger 
by a cloak of charity. 

Maid. Put on a bold front; us all the art of coquetry 
bequeathed our sex and you may easily lead him to 
your purpose. 

Garner. He must come willingly, if at all. Exit 
Garner. 

Re-enter First Page. 

First Page. I have come to claim a kiss for my 
long wait. 

Maid. But one ? 

56 



ACT V. Scene 2, Same day. Same room as that 
in which the King held his reception. Prince surrounded 
by his officers and lords and ladies in waiting 2ipon the 
court. 

Prince. I hope to make rapid progress nor will it 
take long to reckon up my debts. To you I confide the 
charge of the regions to the north, to you the eastern 
provinces, to you the far off province of Anstead, 
reposing the utmost confidence in your fidelity. Why 
does not Garner come ? It is strange he is not here. 
To him I owe the most. 

Lady Cath. Wh)^ do you owe the most to Garner 
and w^hy do you alwa^'s take delight in telling it ? 
You owe the most to me. I do not like him and I 
hope soon to cease to hear his praises. There is a 
promise you have long ow^ed to me to place me in the 
light of 3'our afiianced bride. It seems to me that it 
would be better for you to take some thought of those 
whose wishes it is your duty to consult. You seem 
to hold your promise very lightly. 

Prince. I wall immediately make the announcement 
that 3^ou desire. Rises. Enter Garner. What is the 
meaning of this masquerade ? You are playing tricks 
upon me. 

Garner. There conies a time when all of us lose 
interest in the game of hide and seek and dare to show 
ourselves for what we are and so I come thus dressed 
for what I really am. 

Lady C. It passes the bounds of all credulity to 
masquerade among the troops and then come here, 
presenting your bold face among these decent folk. 

57 



Prince. She came upon my invitation. Caught 
within the tangle of a hast}^ promise I stand at fault, 
not knowing what is best to do. 

Gariier. It is true I came upon A^our invitation and 
if it troubles you I shall not remain here long. None 
can say that I used a disguise for any purpose not 
honorable in the strictest meaning of all that term 
implies. You say you stand at fault and are caught 
within the tangle of a hasty promise. I release 3^ou 
freely from any promise you may have made to me and 
all I ask is that 3^ou justify ni}^ name against this 
slander. 

PriJice. You have taken my meaning very much 
amiss. I am far from wishing you to leave. 

E?iter Soldier bring i7ig Borge. 

Soldier. We bring, my lord, the Cavalier Borge in 
accordance with the instructions that you gave us. 

Lady C. You had arisen, Prince, to make the 
announcement of our marriage vows. 

Borge. The Prince exchanging marriage vows with 
Lad}' Catherine ! There is some mistake. 

Prince. I hope to God there is ! I would give one- 
half my life to know the straight way out. 

Lady C. I pray make haste. There is a certain 
sickening feeling that is growing upon me. Announce 
our marriage here so that I may go at once. 

Prince. I have pledged my word and there seems 
to be no honorable way by which I may escape. 

58 



Borge. Permit me to say a few words. The hate 
I bear you is most intense but I have a greater one. 

Lady C. I pray you do not listen to him, for in set 
speech he is such a master that he arranges words 
until they seem to have all meanings or have none. 

Gammer. What plea it is the Cavalier Borge wall 
enter the Lady Catherine only seems to know. 

Lady C. A strumpet from the camp dares question 
me! 

Priiice. Silence ! Do not dare to breathe another 
syllable against her name and pray remember Garner 
Stands a little nearer to my heart than any other and 
w^hile you may hold me strictly to observe my promise 
it does not carry wdth it the privilege to abuse her. 

Lady C. A wife should have the welfare of her 
husband closest to her heart. An intense love wall 
brook no opposition nor apportionment among others. 
Perhaps my zeal has carried me be3^ond discretion 
when it bade me acquaint you with a tale of how your 
journey came so soon to end, before it was fairly 
started. This is the reason why I asked that Borge 
should not be permitted to speak until I have finished. 
Borge advised the King that you were coming, the 
messenger was his trooper, you saw the man. He 
bore a packet from his lord, the Cavalier Borge. Borge 
hated 3'ou, you have heard him here admit it and in 
sullen anger aw^aited a chance to sate his vengeance 
until it gorged ; that chance at hand, he sent this 
message as I have said. You will ask me how I know 
all this and I will tell you that it came from a friend 
of him who bore this message. Knowing these things, 

59 



the wonder ceases that my tongue wagged fast. Borge 
will make no denial of this story for it is true. Your 
clemency is well known and upon such a happy occasion 
it would not be amiss to grant a pardon to your old 
ally, the Cavalier Borge. I ask this pardon for Borge 
because he furnished me the chance to prove my devo- 
tion to your cause. Borge, you are no longer a 
prisoner, 3'ou ma}^ depart. 

Borge. An artist tells a lie so near the truth that 
deception can be marked in the detail only and by the 
closest scrutin3\ The tale you heard is far too true 
and false as that woman there. 

Lady C. I asked a pardon for Borge in Christian 
charity and extended him mercy that it seems is quite 
undeserved. I now repent it and ask that he be led 
to instant execution ; for the honor of your wife. 
Away with him! We dare not trust such men ; they 
turn upon the very ones to whom the}^ owe the most. 
Away with him! 

Prince. Stop! I will hear the statement Borge 
desires to make. 

Lady C. He has plagued me with his offers and 
now he seeks revenge. You would not cheapen me 
b}' such an exhibition. 

Garner. Borge can doubtless furnish us some very 
interesting facts ; we hear too many reasons why he 
should not speak. 

Borge. I planned your death and this is how it came 
about. The Lady Catherine whispered words of love 
to me that set my soul on fire, she then suggested that 
we clear our path of all obstructions that lay within it, 

60 



naming you. She said that she refused your offer and 
that she feared your anger. My information of your 
journey came from her alone, 3^our confidant, and by 
my hand passed on to the Duke. 

Lady C. This is false. Every word is absolutely 
false. 

Prince. What proofs have you ? 

Borge. I have no proofs. I destro3'ed the letter 
giving me the time of your departure. 

Lady C. You see! 

Prince. It seems to be the word of one against the 
other's. Garner, what do you think of this? 

Gar?ier. This letter may complete the chain of proof. 
By the merest accident it fell into my hands and I 
have been much troubled to decide upon the course I 
should pursue. Hands Prince the letter and he reads. 

Prince. You are my guardian angel, a load is lifted 
from my mind, I fully understand. 

Lady C. This letter bears a signature no doubt ? 

Gai-ner. What prompts the Lady Catherine to that 
thought unless she knows it is not signed ? 

Prince. There is no signature but I remember well 
this handwriting. Oh faithless woman, thus to tempt a 
man to build his hopes on such a slender bough, a bough 
so hanging o'er the brink the slightest wind must 
send the home into the foaming tide ; and such a 
bough, that has furnished homes for all the worms 
that breed ; its heart is eaten up and it is rotten to the 
core. 

6r 



Lady C. Cold ambition is often rash and presses 
on when we wish to stop. There never was a time 
since first I took this devious path I would not will- 
ingly have turned my steps to solid ground. I curse 
the God and fate that held me fast! 

Prince. Hush ! Man creates his own attending 
angels here; waits not for heaven nor hell. Our acts 
are ruled b}^ law and you must suffer now the inevita- 
ble consequences of yours. You are banished to the 
Province of Anstead. Go! Exit Lady Catherine. 

Prince. Borge, return again to your own country 
and never be caught here again on pain of the strictest 
penalties. See him beyond our lines. Exit Officer 
and Borge. Now my little lady let me reaffirm all I 
told you in the wood and add something more, for 
then I little thought but that you were what I mis- 
took you for. 

Garner. Those woodsong notes still linger in my 
ear like chimes of distant silver bells ; a heritage of 
love I will alwaj^s carry with me. 

Prince. Lords and ladies, your future queen. 



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a,r. 



